Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two suspected gunmen responsible for the fatal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, per national law enforcement.
Authorities also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Stay
Investigators indicate the duo did not undergo any type of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the evidence," she stated, noting that early assessments show that "the two men are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader network, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to execute an incident," Commissioner Barrett stated.
Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett added. She underscored that, since the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence may surface.
Ideology and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly targeted participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
